Audi A3 E-tron to enter production this year, ahead of schedule

Back in March, Audi announced the A3 E-tron Sportback would go on sale in Europe some time in 2014, with the US to follow. Now, Audi says the A3 E-tron Sportback will reach volume production before the end of this year, becoming the first premium compact vehicle with plug-in hybrid technology.

The Audi uses basically the same setup as the Volkswagen Golf Plug-in, but with all the luxury appointments that Audi has become known for. Powered by a 1.4 liter engine, when used in conjunction with the electric drive unit, total system output power is 201 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque.

Audi lists the all electric range of the A3 E-tron at 31 miles on the European test cycle. Electric power is supplied by an 8.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be fully charged in 2 hours using a 240V supply.

Total range using electric and gasoline power is around 585 miles, and the vehicle has a 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds.

The plug-in hybrid Audi will be priced around €38,000 ($49,000 USD) in most parts of Europe when it goes on sale there as early as the end of this year in selected markets. Audi has officially confirmed the A3 E-tron is coming to the United States and the UK and is expected in mid-2014.